Not too long ago, I received an e-mail from Shawn Brook Williams, the creator of the graphic novel entitled Five Pounds & Screaming. I heard about his book on an advertisment through Kevin Smith’s SModcast Internet Radio and it made an impression on me because I am a fan of slice-of-life stories in comic book format. I had made a mental note to check out the book once. Which is why I was thrilled that Shawn not only wanted to advertise on our website but he also sent us a copy of of the book.
Although this may sound like a cliché, I can’t help but start this review with: this book was made with a lot (and I mean a LOT) of love. At every turn of the page I found myself smiling. The story is simple and linear but finds depth in its honesty.
In just the first few pages, Shawn conveyed the struggle of the main characters, Ben and Eliza, as they tried to get pregnant. I immediately undersood their strong desire to start a family and have children together. With very minimum dialogue or explanation the reader was given the impression that they’ve experienced the disappointment of a negative result from the pregnancy test more than just once. The drawn interaction of the couple with each other showed their love and perseverance. Their past or history, whatever life they had previously, didn’t matter at all because at that moment– during in that particular time of their lives– the reader is already on their side.
